Be a Better Kid (Or Spouse) This Year: 5 Mother's Day Getaways

As kids we showered mom on Mother’s Day with love, from the burnt but well-meaning breakfast to the glue-stained handmade card. Fast forward and our big kid selves may have slacked off a bit with cheesy e-cards, half-dead flowers, and even lame IOUs for our spouses. So, we’ve drummed up a few getaways you can still book to wow her on her special day.

A Mom-CEO Hooked to both job and children, tuning out the world for a hot minute would be a blessing. That’s possible at The Windham Hill Inn, where there’s no WiFi, no TV, and barely a phone signal. So what’s a girl to do? Hike the trails, unwind in the spa, and stuff herself silly on gourmet food, all seemingly splashed with maple syrup—easily accomplished with Windham’s special Mother’s Day Brunch. Naturally, post-feast lazing in countrified rooms with Laura Ashley-esque décor is a-ok, and expected. Rates start at $255 per night, including three-course breakfast.

An Overindulger Call her a foodie, or something equally cutesy, but momma likes her treats. And that’s ok. But for a detox that’s serious without suffering, give her a week at the newest Biggest Loser Resortnear Niagara Falls, NY. Rates begin at $2,295 for seven days and include room, fitness activities, and meals. The goal? Holistic health with a side of spa treatments—all without hearing Jillian Michaels screaming at you like a lunatic.

A Newbie The first Mother’s Day is special, so we know some ladies will balk at leaving their babes behind for a getaway. That’s why it’s great that fam-friendly resorts like The Somerset on Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos’ islands has a package that includes the children, too (they’ve got a new, free kid’s club). Their three-night/four day special for $2,350 gets you a one-bedroom suite, 50-minute massage, daily breakfast, chocolates, and even free loaner crib and high chair so you can leave that boatload of tyke gear home.

A Bad Mamma-Jamma She makes Gloria on “Modern Family” look like a hausfrau, so scoring her a swank suite? Jump on that. The “Moms of Beverly Hills” package at the Thompson Beverly Hills is pretty tight—a sleek, modern room with king-sized bed, French macaroons from Bouchon, and use of a private pool cabana decked out with flat-screen TV, mini-bar and sofa bed. Rates begin at $309 per night, nearly $100 off. Book using code BHMOM.

An Empty Nester Even though her children have left the nest, she’s still a mother. So how about a vacation where she can visit an orphanage and even care for animals? Blow her mind with a trip to Africa with a tour operator like Micato Safaris, which has a Lend a Helping Hand program. Can’t swing that? The San Diego Zoo has a cool alternative, The Mother's Day Sleepover, an adults-only experience where you sleep in tents overlooking the park's African Plains field exhibit where giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, and other animals roam. Tent, dinner, activities, and breakfast (with mimosas!)are included in the $149 starting rate. Reserve via phone only at 619-718-3000.